As an essential appliance in modern life, the refrigerator has become deeply integrated into our daily routines. Its primary function is to extend the shelf life of food by lowering its temperature, thereby slowing down the spoilage process.

Additionally, refrigerators help keep food fresh, allowing us to enjoy delicious meals anytime and bringing tremendous convenience to our lives. However, do you know how to adjust the temperature on your refrigerator?

Many people probably just leave their refrigerator at the factory-set temperature without ever adjusting it. In fact, properly adjusting the temperature can help preserve food while saving energy and preventing ice buildup. Let’s take a look at how to do it!

Adjust the refrigerator temperature setting

First, locate the refrigerator temperature control knobs. Typically, these knobs are found inside the refrigerator and consist of two separate controls: one for the refrigerator compartment and another for the freezer compartment.

These knobs feature adjustable settings. The refrigerator shown below has low, medium, and high settings, while others may display settings from 1 to 7. Although the numerical display varies, the adjustment mechanism remains the same. By simply adjusting these settings, you can control the temperature inside the refrigerator.

How to Adjust the Refrigerator Temperature Settings?

The higher you set the refrigerator’s temperature control dial, the colder the interior becomes. While lower temperatures do improve food preservation, excessively cold settings force the refrigerator to run continuously to maintain that low temperature. This not only consumes more electricity but may also cause ice buildup in the freezer compartment.

Conversely, lowering the temperature setting—effectively raising the interior temperature—can save electricity. However, a warmer environment compromises food preservation and is detrimental to proper food storage.

Adjust the refrigerator temperature according to the season

The temperature inside the refrigerator needs to be adjusted according to changes in the outside temperature.

For instance, during this season when temperatures are moderate, typically around 20°C (68°F), setting the refrigerator to a medium level—around 4 or 5—reduces the temperature difference between inside and outside. This preserves food freshness while saving energy. Since autumn and spring have similar temperatures, setting the refrigerator to 4–5 is ideal for these seasons.

However, during summer when outdoor temperatures soar into the 30s, we should raise the refrigerator’s temperature setting to minimize the temperature difference. Adjusting it to settings 2 or 3 is ideal.

Conversely, in winter when outdoor temperatures drop to a few degrees or even below freezing, we need to lower the refrigerator’s temperature setting. Otherwise, if the refrigerator’s internal temperature exceeds the external temperature, it will fail to preserve food effectively.

Therefore, during winter, we should set the refrigerator to its highest setting, typically around 5 to 6. Some refrigerators include an internal reference chart with recommended settings; simply follow these guidelines. It’s crucial not to set it incorrectly. Incorrect settings can lead to excessive ice buildup, increased energy consumption, and a shorter refrigerator lifespan.

Tips for Saving Energy with Your Refrigerator

• Avoid frequent opening and closing of the refrigerator door: Each time the door is opened, cold air escapes from the interior, forcing the refrigerator to consume more electricity to maintain its temperature. Therefore, minimize both the frequency and duration of door openings, avoiding prolonged door openings or frequent switching. When retrieving food, take all necessary items at once to prevent multiple door openings.
• Clean your refrigerator regularly: Over time, food drippings and vegetable scraps inevitably accumulate inside. Regular cleaning is essential to prevent unsightly buildup and reduce energy consumption.
• Avoid placing hot food directly into the refrigerator: When storing leftovers or hot dishes, allow them to cool to room temperature first. This reduces the workload on your refrigerator and lowers energy usage.

Frequently Asked Questions About Refrigerator Temperature